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How to Create an ATS-Friendly CV That Gets Interviews: Proven ATS-Friendly CV Tips

In today’s job market, your CV isn’t just being read by people — it’s being scanned by machines. Many employers now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to shortlist candidates before a human recruiter even sees their applications. These automated tools help companies manage high volumes of CVs, but they can also filter out well-qualified candidates simply because their CVs aren’t formatted correctly or don’t contain the right keywords.

That’s why understanding ATS-friendly CV tips has become essential for every UK job seeker. In this guide, we’ll explore what an ATS is, how it works, and the best ways to create a CV that passes the filters, impresses recruiters, and helps you secure more interviews.


1. What Is an ATS and Why Does It Matter?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by employers to collect, organise, and filter job applications. It automatically scans CVs for keywords, qualifications, and experience that match the job description.

If your CV doesn’t contain these elements — or if it’s formatted in a way that the ATS can’t read — your application may be rejected before a recruiter ever sees it.

Learning how to optimise your CV with effective ATS-friendly CV tips ensures that your skills and experience aren’t lost in the digital shuffle.

2. Understanding How ATS Scans Work

Before you start writing, it helps to understand how an ATS reads your CV.

Here’s what it looks for:

  • Keywords: Specific words and phrases from the job description (e.g., “project management,” “data analysis,” or “customer service”).

  • Section headers: Standard terms like Experience, Education, and Skills that help the software categorise information.

  • Formatting consistency: Simple layouts that avoid columns, tables, or unusual symbols.

  • File type compatibility: Most ATS systems read Word (.docx) or simple PDF files best.

Knowing this allows you to apply ATS-friendly CV tips strategically so your CV passes through filters seamlessly.

3. Use a Simple, Professional Layout

Complex CV templates might look impressive to humans but can confuse automated systems. Many job seekers in the UK lose opportunities because their designs are too elaborate.

To make your CV ATS-friendly:

  • Stick to a one-column format.

  • Avoid using text boxes, graphics, or charts.

  • Use standard section titles like Work Experience, Skills, and Education.

  • Choose clean fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.

When it comes to ATS-friendly CV tips, simplicity isn’t a compromise — it’s a competitive advantage.

4. Incorporate the Right Keywords Naturally

The heart of an ATS-friendly CV lies in keywords. These are the exact words and phrases employers use in their job descriptions. The system scans your CV for these keywords to assess whether you’re a match.

How to do it effectively:

  • Review the job posting carefully. Identify repeating skills, qualifications, or software mentioned.

  • Integrate these naturally into your CV’s Experience and Skills sections.

  • Avoid keyword stuffing — overusing terms can make your CV sound robotic.

One of the most powerful ATS-friendly CV tips is to tailor your CV for each role. Customising content for every application increases your chances of ranking higher in the system.

5. Write Clear, Detailed Job Descriptions

When describing your past roles, use bullet points and focus on measurable achievements. The ATS reads these bullet points individually, so clarity is key.

Example of an ATS-optimised description:✅ Managed a team of 5 to deliver customer service improvements, increasing satisfaction scores by 15%.

Include specific software, tools, and methods relevant to the role. For example, if the job advert mentions “CRM software” or “Microsoft Excel,” make sure those appear naturally in your descriptions.

Among all ATS-friendly CV tips, writing results-driven, keyword-rich bullet points is one of the easiest ways to boost your chances of being shortlisted.

6. Use Standard Section Headings

ATS software relies on common section headings to identify different parts of your CV. Using creative titles like “My Journey” or “Where I’ve Worked” may confuse the system and cause it to skip over important content.

Stick with simple, recognisable headings such as:

  • Personal Statement / Profile

  • Key Skills

  • Work Experience

  • Education

  • Certifications / Training

Following this structure is one of the simplest ATS-friendly CV tips that ensures the system categorises your information correctly.

7. Format Dates and Contact Details Correctly

Even small formatting errors can cause data to be read incorrectly by an ATS. To make your CV more compatible:

  • Write dates in a consistent format (e.g., “Jan 2021 – Dec 2023”).

  • Place contact information at the top: name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL.

  • Avoid placing contact details in headers or footers, as many ATS systems can’t read those areas.

Attention to these formatting details is one of those practical yet often overlooked ATS-friendly CV tips that can make or break your chances.

8. Include a Core Skills Section

A dedicated Skills section is crucial for both human recruiters and ATS algorithms. It provides a snapshot of your competencies and increases keyword visibility.

Group your skills logically, for example:

  • Technical Skills: Excel, CRM systems, Power BI, WordPress

  • Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving

Keep it concise and focused. Adding a “Skills Summary” near the top of your CV is one of the most effective ATS-friendly CV tips, ensuring your most relevant abilities are noticed early.

9. Save and Submit in the Right Format

Submitting your CV in the wrong file format can cause all your hard work to go unnoticed. While PDFs are typically safe, some older ATS systems prefer Word documents (.docx).

Follow these rules:

  • Avoid scanned documents or image-based PDFs.

  • Name your file professionally (e.g., John-Smith-CV.docx).

  • Double-check your upload before submission.

A key takeaway among ATS-friendly CV tips is to ensure your file is readable, searchable, and compatible across devices.

10. Proofread and Test Your CV

Before applying, test how your CV performs by using free ATS simulation tools online. These allow you to upload your CV and see how it scores against a specific job description.

Also, double-check for:

  • Spelling and grammar errors.

  • Inconsistent formatting.

  • Missing keywords relevant to the role.

This extra step ensures your CV isn’t just readable — it’s optimised. Thorough proofreading remains one of the simplest yet most powerful ATS-friendly CV tips that consistently deliver better results.

Making Technology Work for You

In the modern UK job market, understanding how ATS systems work is as important as having great experience. A well-crafted, ATS-friendly CV ensures your application passes the first test — reaching a recruiter’s hands.

By following these ATS-friendly CV tips, you’ll:

  • Create a clean, structured, and readable CV.

  • Include relevant keywords without sounding unnatural.

  • Format your content correctly for both machines and people.

  • Increase your chances of being shortlisted for interviews.

Remember — technology doesn’t replace human judgment, but it often determines whether your CV gets seen. Optimising for both is the smartest way to stay ahead.

✅ Build a Winning, ATS-Friendly CV with Expert Guidance

At Job Skills Training Association, we help young professionals, students, and job seekers create CVs that work — for both recruiters and technology. Our expert mentors provide personalised guidance on CV writing, interview preparation, and employability skills.


👉 Visit www.jobskillstraining.org.uk to explore our programmes and get professional support in crafting an ATS-friendly CV that truly stands out.


Your dream job could be one application away — make sure your CV gets there.

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